S&C Electric Co. has announced the latest generation of its IntelliTeam VV Volt-Var Optimization System. With this new software release, IntelliTeam VV can work with a broader range of equipment, ultimately helping utilities realize more system-wide energy efficiency improvements. In addition, the enhanced platform now supports 240-volt systems, which are used in Europe and Australia.
The new software supports multiple levels of line regulation, and allows utilities to control them independent of one another. This gives grid operators more precise voltage control for an even higher level of power quality, and makes it possible to achieve greater reductions in peak demand and energy usage.
S&C's volt-var optimization system helps utilities increase overall energy efficiency by improving power factor and reducing voltage across the distribution system. Poor power factor due to uncompensated reactive power decreases system capacity and wastes energy. S&C's IntelliTeam VV also enables Conservation Voltage Reduction, which allows utilities to lower voltage levels at the end user—eliminating the waste associated with running system voltage conservatively high—while still meeting power quality requirements.
The new features allow utilities to create voltage zones where multiple grid devices can be grouped as an independently configurable zone, as well as voltage buffers that are configurable for automatic calculation and adjustment. In addition, the software now offers reporting on communication devices, alerting utility personnel to equipment issues that could impact performance of a volt-var optimization system.